Latest News

Waikato rugby fans will have the chance to watch the All Blacks in their final hit-out ahead of Rugby World Cup 2019 when the men in black tackle Tonga at FMG Stadium Waikato on Saturday, 7 September.

The first All Blacks test match to be played in Hamilton since 2016, the test will be an important match on the eve of the All Blacks’ tilt at a hat-trick of World Cup titles.

FMG Stadium Waikato was chosen to host the test match after a joint proposal led by Chiefs Rugby Club, and in partnership with the Waikato Rugby Union, events company 37 South Events, and stadium operators H3, which is a division of Hamilton City Council.

“It’s very exciting for the Chiefs Rugby Club to be part of a joint regional effort to attract a fantastic test to FMG Stadium Waikato ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup,” Chiefs Rugby Club chief executive Michael Collins said of the match, which will kick off at 2.35pm.

“The All Blacks haven’t played in Hamilton since 2016, so we’re delighted to have secured such an important match in their 2019 season. And for those of us not able to be in Japan for the World Cup, it will be a unique experience to witness the World Cup squad play at FMG Stadium Waikato.

“We have worked successfully in partnership with 37 South Events and H3 in the past and look forward to continuing that relationship through this match. We don’t often get the chance to work with the Waikato Rugby Union, so this will be a terrific opportunity to collaborate with Blair Foote and his team and deliver a successful test match experience to the wider Waikato public,” Collins said.

H3 is a division of Hamilton City Council and operates FMG Stadium Waikato on behalf of the people of Hamilton.

“It’s very exciting for us and the region to have test match rugby played in Hamilton. We’re really happy to be able to work alongside the Chiefs to bring this match here, and are looking forward to helping provide a great experience for both the All Blacks and Tongan fans.”

Dallas Fisher, managing director of 37 South Events, said they were delighted to be part of a “significant event”.

“Having the All Blacks play here just before the World Cup, and the interest that will generate, is great for the city and the Waikato region,” he said.

“37 South Events are thrilled to be fulfilling our aims of being involved in major events that benefit the community and region.”

* The easiest way to secure a seat to the All Blacks v Tonga test is to become a Chiefs + HSBC NZ Sevens Member.

For new and existing members, a test match ticket will be automatically put on hold and can be bought when the exclusive purchase window opens in mid-2019. Updates will follow, but for the time being there is no action or payment required.

Being a Chiefs + HSBC NZ Sevens Member gives you a ticket to seven Gallagher Chiefs home matches and a two-day pass to the HSBC NZ Sevens. Members also get Gallagher Chiefs merchandise discounts, a season member gift, the chance to attend exclusive events, first rights to finals tickets, and discounted prices over the season.

For more information contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.